For Immediate Release

AFSCME Calls for Congress to “Stop Their Games and Get to Work”

Statement of AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee after Pres. Obama’s State of the Union address

Washington, DC —

“President Obama has a plan to move our country forward, create jobs and find real solutions. The choices Congress makes in 2012 will determine whether we save the middle class. We can do that by enacting President Obama’s jobs agenda. Or we can focus on misguided policies that do nothing but give more tax breaks to Wall Street financiers and transfer even more wealth to those at the top of the economic ladder.

“This nation cannot continue to be held hostage by corporate-backed politicians who have rejected every meaningful jobs plan. Their reckless games have already harmed the recovery and cost us our credit rating – all because they care more about political games than creating jobs. Unfortunately, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels’ response to the president is a clear indication that his party will pursue a policy of more of the same. It’s time for Congress to stop their games and get to work. It’s time to enact the president’s agenda for jobs.”

AFSCME's 1.6 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in hundreds of different occupations — from nurses to corrections officers, child care providers to sanitation workers — AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and prosperity and opportunity for all working families.

AFSCME is the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO. Our 1.6 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and prosperity and opportunity for all working families.